Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?

A lot of Glendale residents are asking “Does medicare cover chiropractic care?”  Scores of people end up with back and neck pain which can be treated with chiropractic visits.  For some seniors the cost of chiropractic care can be a challenge, but in many cases Medicare may cover some or all of the cost to receive chiropractic care.

If you are one of those people who has chronic musculoskeletal pain in the neck, back, and in the joints having regular scheduled Chiropractic adjustments may be integral for long term treatments. Being under the care of a Chiropractor is something that may be done alone, or it could be combined with other types of medical treatments, however, there are no drugs involved when you are under the care of a Chiropractor alone.

Just as it is with other kinds of medical care, if you are not covered by some type of insurance things can get costly, and rapidly. This is especially true for those who are on a limited income. It would be wise to find out more on whether or not Medicare is going t cover the care of a Chiropractor.

Medicare Part B & Chiropractic Treatments

In fact, Medicare Part B does cover a limited amount of Chiropractic treatments. Which includes a manual manipulation and also a manipulation that uses a hand-held device for the correction of a spinal subluxation (when the vertebrae bones are not aligned properly). On the other hand, Medicare Part B will not cover the initial physical examinations needed, x-rays, diagnostic services, physical therapy, acupuncture, orthopedic devices, nutritional supplements, and Chiropractic treatments that are for anything beside the spinal subluxation.

Moreover, if you fall into one of the following categories Medicare will cover the Chiropractic treatments: 

• You have been diagnosed with a condition of spinal subluxation.
• You have a condition which your referring physician has made a recommendation for a manual manipulation to try and improve that condition.
• You have been diagnosed with a chronic condition of neuromusculoskeletal and it is going to require treatment for pain, swelling, numbness in limbs, inflammation, etc.

Part B Deducibles

You will have to pay the deductible for Medicare Part B, plus 20% of the amount that was approved by Medicare for the Chiropractic services. You will also be responsible for covering any other fees for the Chiropractic services which was not approved by Medicare. Unless your physician states that it is medically necessary, Medicare limits your Chiropractic visits to only one time per day and as long as there are signs of improvement this same coverage will stay in effect. The Medicare coverage will end for these visits at any time it begins showing there is no more improvements being made.

Chiropractor Participation

Always check with the Chiropractic you are intending to use Medicare with to make certain they are going to accept it, as there are many Physicians, Chiropractors, and other medical professionals who will not accept patients that have Medicare for their medical insurance. However, you will still be responsible for your Medicare deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket expenses. Should the Chiropractic not accept assignment (Medicare), there is always the option of you paying the Chiropractic for the treatment as an out-of-pocket expense, you can then turn around and bill Medicare yourself and they will send you the payment in a matter of weeks.

Medigap & Supplement Insurance

Moreover, should it turn out that your Chiropractic does not take participation in the Medicare program, nor will they pay for any of the treatments. However, if you have some coverage with the Medigap/Medicare Supplement Plan, you just might get out of having to pay the Chiropractic at all or at most, very little for the treatments. You can ask the manager of your plan just how much coverage that you have.

Chiropractic Treatment in Glendale Arizona

If you’re interested in getting more information about receiving chiropractic treatment in Glendale, Arizona please give us a call.  We can help you explore you options for receiving chiropractic treatment through your Medicare or insurance coverage so you pay little to nothing at all.

Please call 623-825-4444 for more information or to schedule.